There’s something about a photograph of a blue whale that keeps you looking, holds your attention.

Past the stunning composition and vivid blues, perhaps what makes these images so hypnotic is the fact that it’s of a subject photographed so little, and rarely encountered. This quite brilliant creature – listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List – becomes frozen in time. And for a moment, you feel something for it.

That’s the brilliance of a great photograph: its ability to hold a moment and change a mindset. It can inspire a movement, spark an emotion – shatter a stereotype. It’s the beating drum behind the inspiration for putting together this photography special edition.

As Underwater360, we’ve tried to build a platform that educates and inspires our readers to get involved with the ocean – the truth is, this ocean planet really is changing for the worst. We believe that by showcasing beautiful imagery and educating the industry on the need for sustainable practices, we can make people care. Our dive show, ADEX, has grown larger than anybody could have predicted, and this 2017 we’re launching Ocean Week Singapore, which is aimed at taking our message further. We’re fortunate to work with a body of incredibly talented people – from photographers to conservationists – who have inspired many to do more for this planet.

This photography special edition is dedicated to the iconic underwater locations that have captivated divers since we first began exploring the blue – iconic locations that will mean something different to each of you. Bound together by incredible images, taken in some of the most extreme places, the issue is a testament to those photographers who have pushed the limits to showcase the stunning blue and its inhabitants.

Page by page, take a tour of our amazing ocean planet. Live the stories behind the shots, glean new techniques from the experts, and go out and capture the underwater world in all its beautifully chaotic glory.